Set Your Sites

Can’t decide on your wedding venue? SHARON BERRY-ONG sizes up the different types of locales to help.

Where	Degree of Difficulty	Overall Cost	Style Quotient	Bear in Mind
RESTAURANT	None. Restaurants host functions all the time so they will be able to arrange everything. They’ll have planners to help you put together the decor and menu. Customised menus can also be arranged.	Moderate, depending on the number of guests and the type of menu. Menus tend to be cheaper too. If you want to close the restaurant to outsiders, you’d need to book a minimum number of tables.	High. For something quaint, Peony Jade, housed in a pre-war shophouse, should do the trick. Or opt for Prima Tower, a revolving restaurant – it provides a fabulous view, especially at night.	No problems with a “live” band or dancing as most have entertainment licences. Your only constraint is space.There are usually plenty of frills offered: personalised wedding favours or hotel stay.
HISTORICAL LANDMARK	Moderate. You’ll need to settle the arrangements on your own, such as decor, food, etc. Some places, such as Chijmes, offer a one-stop service and a choice of venues in one location or you can opt for a caterer in a venue, like a musuem.	Varies from venue to venue. But you get to decide which areas to save or splurge on. Expect to pay for rental at most places, unless it’s already included in the package. Some places may waive the fee if you have a certain number of guests.	High. The understated old-world charm lends a nostalgic air to the occasion. For example, for a casual do, The Asian Civilisations Museum’s River Terrace is a good bet or Shaw Foyer, with its colonial architecture and high ceilings, for something more grand.	You may end up forking out more if you don’t have a package, so do set aside an emergency fund. The best part is that you can choose to customise almost every aspect of your wedding – from decor to the menu.
ALFRESCO	Moderate to high. Since it’s an outdoor do, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. That aside, hotels and restaurants usually have wedding planners on hand.	Varies from venue to venue. Most come with just the basics, but some will have their own suppliers such as caterers, which will make things easier for you.	Moderate to high. At places like the Zoo and Bird Park, the natural backdrop makes up a good part of the decor so you won’t need to do too much more.	Have a a contingency plan because you never know what Mother Nature has in store. Do check up on facilities such as toilets and parking space.
YACHT	Moderate to high. Wedding services can be as minimal as renting a location to a full-blown affair. Check out Happy Cruise which offers a three-hour cruise or the SAF Yacht Club.	Varies. You can charter a craft from Happy Cruise Boat Chartering for $5,000 to $10,000 or from Indo Falcon Shipping & Travel from $6,000.	Moderate. Customising the decor will up your budget for sure. Have an open deck for a more unconventional do. Most come with air-conditioning and facilities so it’ll be comfy.	Decide on the size of your do. But whether you have an intimate gathering or a huge bash, have a special menu to make the cruise one that guests will remember for a long time.

 

For more, get your copy of Her World Brides Jun-Aug 08 issue.